Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

Part 4: Informal Procurement Methods

Part 4 in the Procurement Guidance Series online training.

Course Description

This online training describes the two informal procurement methods—the micropurchase method, and the simplified acquisition (formerly small purchase) method. Additionally, the training describes when each method is appropriate, the thresholds for each method, applicable state laws they may need to follow, and how to properly procure goods and services using these methods.

  • Course Number: 679
  • Training Length: 45 minutes
  • Certificate: Yes
  • Target Audience: School business officials and food service staff
  • Mandatory: No
  • Cost: Free
  • Date Recorded: September 2022

Online Course

Begin the Part 4: Informal Procurement Methods course.

Referenced Resources

The following resources are referred to throughout this online course:

Crediting

  • Crediting: 0.75 hours
  • Key Area: Operations (2000)
    • Training Topic: Purchasing (2400)
      • Learning Objective: Purchasing food, supplies, and equipment through vendors (2430)

Contact Us

If you have technical difficulties, please contact the Nutrition Services Division Procurement Resources Unit by email at NSDProcurementReview@cde.ca.gov .

Questions:   Procurement Resources Unit | NSDProcurementReview@cde.ca.gov | 800-952-5609
Last Reviewed: Friday, October 31, 2025
Related Content
Recently Posted in Nutrition
  • 2025 KIT & Retention & Recruitment Grant RFA (added 04-Dec-2025)
    2025 Kitchen Infrastructure and Training and Retention and Recruitment Grant Request for Application is now available.
  • Professional Standards in the SNP (added 04-Dec-2025)
    This MB includes final rule flexibilities to the hiring standards for new School Nutrition Program directors in medium and large local educational agencies under the professional standards regulations for the National School Lunch Program.
  • Salad Bars in the School Nutrition Programs (added 18-Nov-2025)
    Management Bulletin has been revised to update links to resources and contact information. Policy guidance has not changed for the School Nutrition Programs (SNP) and remains current.
  • Annual SNP Verification Requirements (added 17-Nov-2025)
    Reminder to complete the annual SNP verification activities.
  • Learning Management System Account Setup (added 14-Nov-2025)
    This new learning management system will be used as the primary venue for delivering training content to satisfy your annual mandatory training hours for Professional Standards and beyond. These webinars will assist with account setup and overview.